Recordable optical disk

ABSTRACT

A DVD-R  1  has a main information area  2  where data information is recorded in a track having a wobble, and first and second control data areas  3, 15  each of which is disposed in an inner space closer to the disk center than the main information area  2 . The information structure and physical structure of the first control area  3  are different from those of the second control area  15 . In the second control area  15 , predetermined physical format information and disk production information, for example, the last address of when data is written in the DVD-R  1 , the maximum transfer rate or the like, are recorded. Thus, when the DVD-R  1  is reproduced by a DVD player etc., the physical format information and disk production information etc. recorded in the second control data area  15  are read. Thereby, the disk can be precisely identified without spoiling the physical format information, the disk production information or the like, and further illegal use of the DVD or another optical disk leading up to breach of the copyright can be effectively prevented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/743,795,filed on Mar. 22, 2001, pending which was the National Phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP00/03228, filed May 19, 2000, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties. The International Application was not published underPCT Article 21(2) in English.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an optical disk, and arecording/reproducing apparatus and a recording method, for the opticaldisk, in particular, relates to a circular optical disk in which recordsignals such as images or voices are ciphered and recorded in order toprotect literary properties from illegal copies thereof, and to anapparatus for and a method of reproducing and/or recording the recordsignals from/to the optical disk.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, in a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) on the market, in which amovie, music or the like is collected (recorded), data information suchas an image, voice or the like is ciphered and recorded in order toprotect literary properties from illegal copies thereof, namely in orderto protect the copyright thereof. Thus, when the DVD is reproduced usinga DVD reproducing apparatus, the DVD reproducing apparatus reproduces itby reading key information recorded in a control data area of the DVD,and deciphering the ciphered data information using the key informationto reconstruct the original image, voice or the like.

Hereinafter, a conventional DVD and a DVD reproducing apparatus or theabove-mentioned type will he concretely described. Hereupon, a DVR-R(i.e. write-once DVD), which is an example of the DVD, will bedescribed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rough construction of aconventional DVD-R. In FIG. 4, 101 denotes a DVD-R. 102 denotes a maininformation area of the DVD-R 101. Data information such as an image,voice or the like is generally ciphered and recorded in the maininformation area 102. 103 denotes a control data area. The control dataarea 103 records disk production information and physical formatinformation including key information for deciphering the datainformation recorded in the main information area 102. Hereupon, thecontrol data area 103 is located at a position of the inner peripheryside in the DVD-R 101. In the DVD-R 101, a spiral groove with a wobbleis formed from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side overthe both areas 102, 103. Thus, the data information is recorded in therecording layer of the groove. Hereupon, the address information, thedisk recording condition or the like has been previously recorded on thesubstrate in the form of an

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a rough construction of a conventionalDVD reproducing apparatus. In FIG. 5, 101 denotes the DVD 101. The DVD101 records the data information such as an image or voice to bereproduced. 104 denotes an optical pickup. The optical pickup 104 readsrecord signals of the DVD 101 using laser rays. 105 denotes a transfercontroller. The transfer controller 105 moves the optical pickup 104 inthe radial direction of the DVD 101 in order to read the record signalsat arbitrary positions on the DVD 101. 106 denotes a disk motor. Thedisk motor 106 rotates the DVD 101.

107 denotes a first control circuit. The first control circuit 107controls the optical pickup 104, the transfer controller 105 and thedisk motor 106. 108 denotes an amplifier. The amplifier 108 amplifiesthe signals, which have been read by the optical pickup 104. 109 denotesa second control circuit. The output signals of the amplifier 108 areinputted into the second control circuit 109. Based on the signals, thesecond control circuit 109 generates servo signals such as focus errorsignals, tracking error signals or the like, which are required when theoptical pickup 104 reads the record signals of the DVD 101, and thenoutputs them to the first control circuit 107. Meanwhile, the secondcontrol circuit 109 digitizes (makes binary) the input signals of analogtype.

110 denotes a demodulation circuit. The demodulation circuit 110analyzes the signals, which have been read from the DVD 101 to bedigitized, while it reconstructs the data information such as theoriginal image or music. 111 denotes a system control circuit. Thesystem control circuit 111 wholly controls the DVD reproducingapparatus.

Hereinafter, actions of the DVD reproducing apparatus having theabove-mentioned construction will be described. When the DVD 101 on themarket is reproduced, at first, the first control circuit 107 drives andcontrols the transfer controller 105 in accordance with the instructionof the system control circuit 111. As the result, the transfercontroller 105 moves the optical pickup 104 to a position of an innerperiphery side in the DVD 101. The signals, which have been read by theoptical pickup 104, are amplified by the amplifier 108, and thendigitized by the second control circuit 109. The demodulation circuit110 reads the contents of the digital signals, and then sends theresults to the system control circuit 111. If the read contents do notinclude the key information in the control data area 103 (see FIG. 4),the system control circuit 111 outputs another instruction to the firstcontrol circuit 107 again, and then causes the first control circuit 107to drive and control the transfer controller 105. As the result, thetransfer controller 105 moves the optical pickup 104 to a further innerposition of the inner periphery side in the DVD 101, and then searchesthe key information of the DVD 101.

The key information, which has been recorded in the control data area103 located at a position of the inner periphery side in the DVD 101, isfound out by repeating the above-mentioned actions. Then thedemodulation circuit 110 reads the key information. If the systemcontrol circuit 111 detects that the demodulation circuit 110 has readthe key information of the DVD 101, the first control circuit 107 drivesand controls the transfer controller 105 in accordance with theinstruction of the system control circuit 111. As the result, thetransfer controller 105 moves the optical pickup 104 to a position ofthe outer periphery side in the DVD 101. Then the optical pickup 104reads the data information recorded in the main information area 102 ofthe DVD 101 (see FIG. 4). Because the data information is generallyciphered, normal image or voice signals cannot be obtained if the datainformation is simply reproduced. However, the data information can bedeciphered if the key information, which was recorded in the controldata region 103 and has been previously read, is used. Thus, thedemodulation circuit 110 deciphers the data information in the maininformation area 102 using the key information, which has been read, soas to reconstruct the original and normal image data or voice data.

However, in the writable optical desk such as a DVD-R or the like, theremay be such a problem that a copy of the optical disk may be easilyproduced by copying the information in the control data area as well asthe data information into the DVD-R, even if the data information isciphered as described above. Thus, in order to physically prevent theinformation in the control data area from being copied as describedabove, there has been proposed such a procedure as to previously recordother signals at least into the region, in which the key information ofthe DVD-R is to be recorded, so as to prevent the key information frombeing copied into the region. That is such a procedure as to prevent thenormal key information from being reproduced by the reproducingapparatus by previously forming pre-pits with other information, forexample by forming embossment in the control data area including theregion in which the key information of the DVD-R is to be recorded, soas to destroy the normal key information.

However, in the conventional optical disk and the reproducing orrecording system thereof as described above, it is impossible to recordthe physical format information and disk production information such aslast address information etc. of the writing region, into which datamust be written later, into the control data area 103, when the data isrecorded into the main information area 102. Thus, if the DVD-R 1(optical disk), in which the above-mentioned physical format informationand disk production information are not recorded into the control dataarea 103, is reproduced by the DVD-ROM reproducing apparatus, there mayoccur such a problem that various useful functions, for example thefunction for detecting the disk volume in a short time to indicate it,are spoiled. Further, there may occur also such a problem that theresponsibility associated with the recorded positioning information isdeteriorated. In addition if embossment having stronger restraint forthe illegal use is previously formed in the region including the keyinformation of the control data area 103 as the recording pit, it may beextremely difficult to form a wobble in the region. In consequence, ifthe DVD is reproduced using the DVD reproducing apparatus, there occurssuch a problem that it may be accidentally judged that the DVD is aDVD-ROM though it is practically a DVD-R, because no wobble exists in heregion

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is achieved to solve the conventional problemsdescribed above. Thus, it has an object to promise an optical disk andan apparatus for and method of recording or reproducing the opticaldisk, which can precisely identify the type of the optical disk and caneffectively prevent the illegal use of the optical disk such as a DVD orthe like, which infringes the copyright, without spoiling the functionsfor recording or reproducing the physical format information, the diskproduction information (disk control information) and so on.

An optical disk according to the first aspect of the present inventionwhich has been achieved to solve the above-mentioned problems, including(i) a main information area in which ciphered data information can berecorded in a recording layer of a groove having a wobble in such amanner that the data information can be read using light, (ii) a firstcontrol data area located at an inner periphery side in comparison withthe main information area, and (iii) a second control data area locatedat an inner periphery side in comparison with the main information area,the second control data area being able to record information with aninformation structure which is different from an information structureof the first control data area, is characterized in that (iv) the firstcontrol data area is provided with a region which can record diskproduction information and physical format information including keyinformation for deciphering the data information, other informationhaving been previously recorded in another region, which can record atleast the key information, in the first control data area, and (v) thesecond control data area being able to record the disk productioninformation and the physical format information which does not includethe key information

Further, another optical disk according to the second aspect of thepresent invention, including (i) a main information area in whichciphered data information can be recorded in a recording layer of agroove having a wobble in such a manner that the data information car beread using light, (ii) a first control data area located at an innerperiphery side in comparison; with the main information area, and (iii)a second control data area located at an inner periphery side incomparison with the main information area, the second control data areabeing able to record information with a physical structure which isdifferent from a physical structure of the first control data area, ischaracterized in that (iv) the second control data area can record diskproduction information and physical format information which does notinclude key information for deciphering the data information

In the optical disk according to the second aspect of the presentinvention, it is preferable that the physical structure is composed of awobble, the first control data area being provided with no wobble, andthe second control data area being provided with the wobble.

In the optical disk according to the first or second aspect of thepresent invention, a pit, which has recorded information including anaddress signal, may be provided at an inter-groove position in thesecond control data area.

Meanwhile, in the optical disk according to the first or second aspectof the present invention, a recording pit in the first control data areamay be composed of embossment, while a recording pit in the secondcontrol data area may be formed by a laser light.

Hereupon, as an example of the optical disk according to the first orsecond aspect of the present invention, for example, a write-onceoptical disk is pointed out.

A recording/reproducing apparatus for an optical disk according to thethird aspect of the present invention, including (i) a main informationarea in which ciphered data information can be recorded in a recordinglayer of a groove having a wobble, (ii) a first control data area whichcan record disk production information and physical format informationincluding key information for deciphering the data information, and(iii) a second control data area, (iv) the apparatus being able torecord and/or reproduce the data information, is characterized in that(v) the recording/reproducing apparatus can record or reproduce the diskproduction, information and the physical format information without thekey information into the second control data area, with a structurewhich is different from a structure of the first control data area whenthe optical disk is recorded or reproduced, respectively.

Another recording/reproducing apparatus for an optical disk according tothe fourth aspect of the present invention, including (i) a maininformation area in which ciphered data information can be recorded in arecording layer of a groove having a wobble, (ii) a first control dataarea which can record disk production information and physical formatinformation including key information or deciphering the datainformation, and (ii) a second control data area, in which (iv) astructure of the first control data area and a structure of the secondcontrol data area are different from each other, the apparatus beingable to record and/or reproduce the data information, is characterizedin that (v) the recording/reproducing apparatus can record or read thedisk production information and the physical format information withoutthe key information using the second control data area, when the opticaldisk is recorded or reproduced, respectively.

In the recording/reproducing apparatus for the optical disk according tothe third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the optical diskmay be an optical disk in which information has been previously recordedat least in a portion of the first control data area.

Hereupon, as an example of the optical disk which is used in therecording/reproducing apparatus for the optical disk according to thethird or fourth aspect of the present invention, for example, awrite-once optical disk is pointed out.

A recording method for an optical disk according to the fifth aspect ofthe present invention, including (i) a main information area in, whichciphered data information can be recorded in a recording layer of agroove having a wobble, (ii) a first control data area which can recorddisk production information and physical format information includingkey information for deciphering the data information, and (iii) a secondcontrol data area, the method being for recording the data information,is characterized in that the method includes the steps of (iv) detectingwhether a loaded optical disk is writable or not, and (v) writing thedisk production information and the physical format information withoutthe key information into the second control data area, if the opticaldisk is writable.

In the recording method for the optical disk, it may be detected whetherthe loaded optical disk is writable or not, on the basis of whether awobble exists or not.

In the optical disk, the recording/reproducing apparatus for recordingand/or reproducing the optical disk or the recording method for theoptical disk, according to the present invention, the disk can beprecisely identified without spoiling the physical format information,the disk production information (disk control information) or the like.In addition, illegal use of a DVD or another optical disk leading up tobreach of the copyright may be effectively prevented. Further, it maybecome possible to previously form a recording pit composed ofembossment, which has stronger restraint for preventing the illegal useand can be formed with a lower cost. In consequence, the optical diskmay be manufactured with a lower cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a rough construction of a DVD-Raccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view showing the both of two controldata areas of the DVD-R shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a rough construction of a DVDrecording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rough construction of aconventional DVD-R.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a rough construction of a conventionalDVD reproducing apparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An optical disk according to the present invention is provided with amain information area in which data information (main data) is recordedin a track having a wobble, and a first and a second control data areaseach of which is located at an inner periphery position in comparisonwith the main information area. Hereupon, the information structures orphysical structures of the first and second control data areas aredifferent from each other. Thus, the first control data area has aregion which can record disk production information (disk controlinformation), physical format information including key information fordeciphering the data information, and so on. In addition, the opticaldisk has such a function as to protect the copyright of the datainformation, by previously recording other information at least into theregion within the first control data area, into which the keyinformation is to be recorded. The recording action can be performed byforming embossment there, or writing it using a laser light. Further,the optical disk is additionally provided with a second control area forrecording the disk production information, the physical formatinformation without the key information, and so on. In consequence, thepredetermined physical format information, the disk productioninformation and so on, for example the maximum transfer rate or the lastaddress into which data is to be recorded, can be recorded in the secondcontrol data area. Thus, when the optical disk is reproduced using a DVDreproducing apparatus or the like, the DVD reproducing apparatus or thelike can be operated with a good responsibility by reading the physicalformat information and the disk production information in the secondcontrol data area.

Meanwhile, the ability for protecting the copyright may be furtherraised, if the disk production information and the physical formatinformation without the key information etc. are recorded in the secondcontrol data area, and then the optical pickup is operated on the basisof the information which is read from the second control data area whenthe optical disk is reproduced. Hereupon, if the information structureof the second control data area is made be different from theinformation structure of the first control data area, it may becomepossible to easily identify the both of the two control data areas in ashort time. Further, if the first control data area is composed ofembossment or the like while the second control data area has such astructure that pits are formed at inter-groove positions so that thephysical structures of the both areas are changed, the identification ofthe both control data areas may become easier. Thus, by reproducing orrecording the physical format information such as a disk identifyingcondition or disk recording condition and disk production informationetc. In the second control data area having the pits at the inter-groovepositions thereof, it may be prevented that an erroneous identificationor erroneous action occurs when the disk is identified.

A recording apparatus according to the present invention is providedwith a pickup for reading record signals from the optical disk in whichthe key information for recording the data into the optical disk ordeciphering the data is recorded in an inner periphery side position, afirst control means which can move the pickup to an arbitrary positionin the radius direction of the optical disk so as to read the data atthe arbitrary position of the optical disk, a second control means forperforming the reproducing operation for the ciphered data in theoptical disk, a judging means for identifying the first control dataarea and the second control data area, and another control means forciphering and structuring the data to record it. In the recordingapparatus, the disk production information and the physical formatinformation including the last address during the recording operationetc. is recorded at least into the second control data area of theDVD-R, the recording structure being different from that so the firstcontrol data area. Hereupon, the judging means for identifying the firstcontrol data area and the second control data area may be composed of awobble detecting means which can identify the both areas on the basis ofwhether the wobble exists or not.

If the above-mentioned recording action is performed as aninitialization when a non-recorded optical disk is recorded for thefirst time, and further if the data structure of each of the physicalformat information and the disk production information etc., each ofwhich is recorded in the second control data area, is such one includingno key information, it may become possible to read the physical formatinformation and the disk production information etc. using the secondcontrol data area when the data is recorded or reproduced after that.Moreover, the function for protecting the copyright may be morestrengthened, if the apparatus is additionally provided with a wobbledetecting means for identifying whether the optical disk is writable, aprotecting condition judging means into which reproduced signals areinputted, a disk judging means into which signals are inputted from thewobble detecting means, and an output inhibiting means for inhibitingthe output of the reproducing or recording signals from the DVD if theresult of the judgement of the protecting condition does not match withthe result of the judgement of the disk.

A reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is providedwith a pickup for reading record signals from the optical disk in whichthe key information for deciphering the data is recorded in an innerperiphery side position, a first control means which can move the pickupto an arbitrary position in the radius direction of the optical disk soas to read the data at the arbitrary position of the optical disk, asecond control means for performing the reproducing operation for theciphered data in the optical disk, and a judging means for identifyingthe first control data area and the second control data area. Thereproducing apparatus reads the physical format information and the diskproduction information in the second control data area in accordancewith the resultant judgement of the judging means. Moreover, thefunction for protecting the copyright may be strengthened, if theapparatus is additionally provided with a wobble detecting means foridentifying whether the optical disk is writable or not, a protectingcondition judging means into which reproduced signals are inputted, adisk judging means into which signals are inputted from the wobbledetecting means, and an output inhibiting means for inhibiting theoutput of the reproducing signals from the optical disk (DVD) if theresult of the judgement of the protecting condition does not match withthe result of the judgement of the disk.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be moreconcretely described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 shows arough construction of a DVD-R according to the present invention. FIG. 2shows the first control data area composed of embossment or the like andthe second control data area of the DVD-R shown in FIG. 1, each of theboth areas being shown by an enlarged scale.

In FIG. 1, 1 denotes a DVD-R. 2 denotes a main information area intowhich ciphered data information may be recorded. 3 denotes a firstcontrol data area for recording disk production information and physicalformat information including key information or deciphering the data. 15denotes a second control data area for recording disk productioninformation and physical format information, each of which has astructure which is different from that of the first control data area 3.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 2, 3 denotes the first control data area. 14 denotespits, each of which is composed of embossment in the first control dataarea 3. 15 denotes the second control data area. 16 denotes grooves,while 17 denotes inter-groove pits for recording information such asaddresses or disk recording conditions etc., each of the pits beingformed between the grooves 16. Further, 18 denotes a wobble.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a DVD recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 3, 1 denotes the DVD. In theDVD 1, the first control data area 3 (see FIG. 2) for recording thephysical format information and the disk production information (diskcontrol information) is composed or embossment. Hereupon, in the firstcontrol data area 3, other information has been previously recorded at aposition into which the key information for deciphering the data is tobe recorded, in order to protect literary properties from illegal copiesthereof, namely to protect their copyrights.

4 denotes an optical pickup. The optical pickup 4 reproduces and recordsrecord signals of the DVD 1 using laser rays. 5 denotes a transfercontroller. The transfer controller 5 moves the optical pickup 4 in theradial direction of the DVD 1 in order to record and reproduce therecord signals at arbitrary positions on the DVD 1. 6 denotes a diskmotor. The disk motor 6 rotates the DVD 1. 7 denotes a first controlcircuit. The first control circuit 7 controls the optical pickup 4, thetransfer controller 5 and the disk motor 6. 8 denotes an amplifier. Theamplifier 8 amplifies the signals, which have been read by the opticalpickup 4. 9 denotes a second control circuit. The output signals of theamplifier 8 are inputted into the second control circuit 9. Based on thesignals, the second control circuit 9 generates servo signals such asfocus error signals, tracking error signals or the like, which arerequired when the optical pickup 4 reads the signals of the DVD 1, andthen outputs them to the first control circuit 7. Although the signals,which are inputted into the second control circuit 9, are analogsignals, the second control circuit 9 digitizes (makes binary) theanalog signals.

10 denotes a demodulation circuit. The demodulation circuit 10 analyzesthe signals, which have been read from the DVD 1 to be digitized, whileit reconstructs the data such as the original image or music etc. 11denotes a detecting circuit. The detecting circuit 11 detects an addresssignal or the like from the signals which are outputted from the secondcontrol circuit 9, and then outputs it to a system control circuit 12.The system control circuit 12 wholly controls the DVDrecording/reproducing apparatus. 13 denotes a modulation circuit. Themodulation circuit 13 modulates the record signals (signals orinformation to be recorded) and then outputs them to the amplifier 8during the recording operation The record signals are recorded into thewritable DVD 1 using laser rays outputted from the optical pickup 4.

Hereinafter, actions of the DVD-R 1 and the recording/reproducingapparatus having the above-mentioned constructions will be described.

When the data is recorded into the DVD-R 1 provided with the maininformation area 2 and the first control data area 3, the first controlcircuit 7 drives and controls the transfer controller 5 in accordancewith the instruction of the system control circuit 12, at first. As theresult, the transfer controller 5 moves the optical pickup 4 into thefirst control data area 3 which is located at a position of the innerperiphery side in the DVD 1. The signals, which have been read by theoptical pickup 4, are amplified by the amplifier 8, and then digitizedby the second control circuit 9. Then the demodulation circuit 10 readsthe contents of the digitized signals as described above, and then sendsthe results to the system control circuit 12. The system control circuit12 identifies the disk on the basis of the physical format informationand the disk production information (disk control information) each ofwhich has been read from the first control data area 3, deciphers therecording condition or the like, and then shifts to the recordingaction.

The modulation circuit 13 modulates the ciphered record signals (recorddata). After the modulated record signals have been amplified by theamplifier 8, they are recorded into the main information area 2 of theDVD 1 using the laser rays outputted from the optical pickup 4. Afterthe recording operation, the first control circuit 7 drives and controlsthe transfer controller 5 in accordance with the instruction of thesystem control circuit 12. As the result, the optical pickup 4 is movedto a position, which corresponds to the second control data area 15located at further inner periphery side. Thus, the optical pickup 4records predetermined information in the record signals (record data),for example the last address after recording operation etc. On thatoccasion, the physical format information and the disk productioninformation of the first control data area 3 are recorded in addition tothe above-mentioned information. Hereupon, the structures of the bothareas 3,15 are made different from each other so as to be able to easilyidentify the first control data area 3 and the second control data area15.

Hereinafter, there will be described actions in the case that the DVD-R1 is reproduced by the recording/reproducing apparatus. In this case,the first control circuit 7 drives and controls the transfer controller5 in accordance with the instruction of the system control circuit 12.As the result, the transfer controller 5 moves the optical pickup 4 to aposition corresponding to the second control data area 15 (see FIG. 2).Then the optical pickup 4 reads the physical format information and thedisk production information, each of which is recorded in the secondcontrol data area 15. On the basis of the information, the systemcontrol circuit 12 sends an instruction to the first control circuit 7.In accordance with the instruction of the system control circuit 12, thefirst control circuit 7 drives and controls the transfer controller 5.As the result, the transfer controller 5 moves the optical pickup 4 to adesired position in the main information area 2, and then the opticalpickup 4 reads the record signals. (data information) of the DVD 1.Hereupon, when data is additionally written in the DVD 1 also, each ofthe physical format information and the disk production information issimilarly read from the second control data area 15. Then the firstcontrol circuit 7 drives and controls the transfer controller 5 inaccordance with the instruction of the system control circuit 12. As theresult, the optical pickup 4 is moved to a predetermined position, andthen the data is additionally written in the disk.

As for the first control data area 3 and the second control data area 15in the DVD-R 1, the information structures of the recorded data or thephysical structures of the areas are different from each other.Hereupon, in the case that the information structures are made differentfrom each other the information may he recorded into the second controldata area 15, with a structure including no key information, or theinformation may be recorded in such a manner that the arrangements ofthe physical format information and the disk production information aredifferent from the arrangements of the first control data area 3. Inconsequence, the function for protecting the copyright can bestrengthened, while it may become easily to identify the DVD-R 1 and theDVD-ROM (disk for only reproducing use).

On the other hand, in the case that the both control data areas 3, 15are made different from each other, the disk may be easily identified,if any one of the first control data area 3 and the second control dataarea 15 is designed to have a structure with inter-groove pits 17 or astructure having no wobble 18. In particular, if the first control dataarea 3 is designed to have a physical structure similar to that of theDVD-ROM (disk for only reproducing use) without the inter-groove pits 17or wobble 18 while the second control data area 15 is designed to havean original physical structure of the DVD-R, the first control data area3 can be formed of embossment. In consequence, the function forprotecting the copyright in the non-recorded condition may bestrengthened, and further its affinity for the apparatus for onlyreproducing use can be improved. Hereupon, if the physical structuresare made different from each other, the line density, the width of thetrack, the physical depth of the pit or the like may be changed.

As described above, each of the optical disk, the recording/reproducingapparatus of the optical disk and the recording method for the opticaldisk according to the present invention has a higher ability forprotecting the copyright. In addition, the optical disk or therecording/reproducing apparatus may be easily operated with a goodresponsibility.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, each of an optical disk, a recording/reproducingapparatus of the optical disk and a recording method of the optical diskaccording to the present invention, is useful as a means which caneffectively prevent illegal copies of information recorded in theoptical disk without spoiling the functions of the optical disk or therecording/reproducing apparatus at all, and particularly is suitable forusing as a DVD or its recording/reproducing apparatus.

We claim:
 1. A recordable optical disk, comprising: a main informationarea in which data information is recordable in a recording layer of agroove having a wobble such that said data information is readable usinga light; a control data area located at an inner periphery side withrespect to said main information area; and a sub information area,wherein in said control data area, other information including firstphysical format information has been previously recorded at apredetermined position instead of key information used to decipher thedata information, said sub information area being configured to storesecond physical format information with an information structure whichdiffers from an information structure of said control data area, andwherein said control data area comprises an area whose physicalstructure differs from a physical structure of said sub informationarea.
 2. The recordable optical disk of claim 1, wherein said controldata area has a physical structure of an embossment and said subinformation area has a physical structure of pits formed at inter-groovepositions.
 3. The recordable optical disk of claim 1, wherein thedifferent information structures comprise a different arrangement ofphysical format information.
 4. The recordable optical disk of claim 1,wherein key information is not included in said sub information area. 5.The recordable optical disk of claim 1, wherein said previously recordedother information in the control data area is permanent.
 6. Therecordable optical disk of claim 1, wherein disk manufacturinginformation is recorded in said control data area and said subinformation area.
 7. The recordable optical disk of claim 6, wherein thearrangement of said disk manufacturing information and said physicalformat information differs in said control data area and said subinformation area.
 8. A recordable optical disk, comprising: a maininformation area in which data information is recordable in a recordinglayer of a groove having a wobble such that said data information isreadable using a light; a control data area located at an innerperiphery side with respect to said main information area; and a subinformation area, wherein in said control data area, other informationincluding first physical format information has been previously recordedat a predetermined position, said predetermined position correspondingto an area on a read-only disk at which key information used to decipherthe data information is recorded, said sub information area beingconfigured to store second physical format information is storable withan information structure which differs from an information structure ofsaid control data area, and wherein said control data area comprises anarea whose physical structure differs from a physical structure of saidsub information area.
 9. The recordable optical disk of claim 8, whereinthe different information structures comprise a different arrangement ofphysical format information.
 10. The recordable optical disk of claim 8,wherein said previously recorded other information in the control dataarea is permanent.
 11. The recordable optical disk of claim 8, whereindisk manufacturing information is recorded in said control data area andsaid sub information area.
 12. The recordable optical disk of claim 11,wherein the arrangement of said disk manufacturing information and saidphysical format information in said control data area is different fromthe arrangement of said disk manufacturing information and said physicalformation information in said sub information area.
 13. The recordableoptical disk of claim 8, wherein key information is not included in saidsub information area.